Natalie wakes to the quiet and the mint aftertaste of last night's tea.
“Natalie?" A woman's voice, thin and breathy. Emily.
Natalie's hand freezes on the pen. Another voice “Open up," James says.
Natalie stands and speaks through the door. “What do you want?"
Natalie unchains the door but leaves the bar. “Say it there."
“We talk when people listen. Try it from the hallway."
Emily nods at James as if to soothe him. “Natalie, I know you dislike us. I know we failed you. But she is still your sister."
“She is your daughter," Natalie says. “Start there."
James huffs. “Enough sparring. Open the door."
“No."
He leans close to the peek hole. “You're being childish."
“I'm being alive," she says. “You want me to sign up to be cut open for the girl who stole my mother's last gift and le
